the stair rail at Lancy in
the hall below.

"Come down, Dexie; I want to speak to you. Can you come for a drive with
me?" he asked, as Dexie reached his side. "Father wishes me to do a little
business for him a few miles out of town, and I want company. Will you
come?"

"Yes, if you will take Elsie as well," was the reply. "How soon are you
going, Lancy?"

"In about half an hour, if we can get ready; but I don't want to take
Elsie. We will take the single sleigh, and three in a seat will not be
comfortable."

"It will be three in a seat or one, Sir Launcelot; so take your choice. Run
in and see if Elsie can go, then I will get ready also. No use coaxing;
your half an hour is rapidly passing," she added, smilingly, as Lancy
lingered, endeavoring to change her decision.

But "three in a seat" was not so uncomfortable as Lancy had imagined, and
they were soon speeding over the road, and in due time reached their
destination.

They were detained much longer than they expected, and so were late
starting for home, and the snow which had been falling in fine, light
particles, soon increased in volume, and it was quite apparent that a
severe storm was upon them.

When they reached the open road, they found they were to suffer for the
delay, for the sharp wind cut their faces and almost blinded them with the
drifting snow.

All landmarks were soon obliterated, and, though the way was familiar under
different circumstances, Lancy found it hard to distinguish the road from
the open field, as the snow fell so thick they could see only a short
distance beyond the horse's head.

The girls were soon so benumbed with cold that they were glad to creep
beneath the sleigh robes, and the roads were becoming so blocked with
drifts that their progress was very slow indeed. Several times they stuck
fast, and Lancy had to get out and tramp down the snow, while, with
encouraging words, he urged the horse along; but in one of these heavy
drifts, snap! went the shaft.

This was a misfortune indeed, for a thorough search in pockets and
sleigh-box failed to produce a string or strap of any kind.

Elsie had been on the verge of crying for some time, and this new disaster
brought the tears in earnest.

"We shall all freeze to death here!" she sobbed. "Whatever shall we do?"

"You can stop crying, Elsie," said Lancy, who felt bewildered by this new
difficulty. "I am bothered enough already. I suppose it is no use to ask
you girls if